THE HISTORY

Christopher Columbus landed in present-day Trujillo in 1502, during his fourth and final voyage to the New World. It was the first time he touched the Central American mainland. The first Christian mass in the Americas on “terra firma” was held by Columbus at Trujillo.

Trujillo was settled in 1524 by Spanish conquistadors under Hernán Cortés. Cristóbal de Olid (1487-1524) is regarded as the town’s founder. Olid was a Spanish adventurer, conquistador and rebel who played a part in the conquest of Mexico and Honduras. Cortés himself visited Trujillo after its founding. The location was strategic for Spanish interests in the New World.

Trujillo and its citizens were subject to frequent pirate attacks throughout the 17th and 18th Centuries. The Santa Bárbara Fort was constructed beginning around 1575 and provided protection for the town with its large cannons overlooking the Bay. The Fort is largely intact today and provides amazing vistas of the Caribbean Sea.

A town plaza and park are near the fort, as is the iconic San Juan Baptista Church.

Historic British, French, and U.S. consulates are within walking distance and provide interesting tour stops.